The Wisconsin Civil Justice Council has gained national recognition for its role in passing sweeping legal reforms in 2011 and its continued commitment to combating lawsuit abuse.
Members of WCJC and WMC traveled to the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s 14th Annual Legal Reform Summit in Washington, D.C. to accept the award.
“This award acknowledges WCJC’s work with state lawmakers and the Walker administration in enacting legislation to promote business and job growth in Wisconsin,” said Bill G. Smith, WCJC President and State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
Reforms enacted last session included revising Wisconsin’s product liability statutes, eliminating the flawed “risk contribution” theory, adopting sound science principles known as Daubert standards, capping punitive damages, and applying sanctions on frivolous lawsuits.
In announcing the award, Lisa A. Rickard, President, U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, notes that “the annual Legal Reform Awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding work has contributed to making America’s civil justice system simpler, fairer, and faster for everyone.”
“Wisconsin’s 2011-12 Legislative Session was a historic step toward improving Wisconsin’s job creation and economic development environment through sensible reform of the state’s litigation climate,” said Andy Cook, Legislative Director of WCJC.
“Following its successes in 2011, WCJC is now focused on securing passage of additional measures that promote a fairer, more predictable legal system,” added Cook. So far this session WCJC has been successful in passing the following bills in the Wisconsin Legislature, which are now awaiting Gov. Walker’s signature:
- Transparency in Private Attorney Contracting (SB 19/AB 27)
- Physician’s Duty of Informed Consent (SB 137/AB 139)
- Lemon Law Reforms (SB 182/AB 200)
In addition to these reforms, WCJC is currently working on the following bills:
- Personal Injury Trust Claims Transparency (SB 13/AB 19)
- Amending Wisconsin’s Collateral Source Rule (SB 22/AB 29)
- Inadmissibility of a Statement of Apology by a Health Care Provider (SB 129/AB 120)
Advancing WCJC’s mission of promoting fairness and equity in Wisconsin’s civil justice system takes substantial resources. Please consider making a contribution to the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council, Inc.